The World Motivation
I have long believed that celebrity, the way we worship and package and sell our pop stars, is what filled the need for gods that was once filled by the pictures in stained glass. Hollywood is post-Christian Venice - in other words, a pantheon of saints without the hassle and heartache of religion.
I have long believed that celebrity, the way we worship and package and sell our pop stars, is what filled the need for gods that was once filled by the pictures in stained glass. Hollywood is post-Christian Venice - in other words, a pantheon of saints without the hassle and heartache of religion.
Rich Cohen suggests that the cultural phenomenon of celebrity worship serves a similar purpose to the religious veneration of gods. He likens Hollywood to a modern-day pantheon, where pop stars are idolized much like saints, without the complexities and emotional burdens that traditional religions often involve.
This comparison highlights how contemporary society has created its own forms of worship, replacing divine figures with celebrities who provide escapism and admiration. For example, fans may attend concerts or film premieres not just for entertainment but to participate in a communal experience that mirrors religious gatherings, where shared beliefs in the 'divinity' of stars create a sense of belonging and identity that was once found in churches.